Curse

Roza · Nov 22, 2005, 02:31 AM // 02:31

Another thread about this sort of question was closed (maybe because the person that started it claimed he wanted to cause a flame war). But it is a serious point, I think.

There is no denying that there is a lot of talk in the game that would be regarded as quite homophobic if done publicly in liberal countries, including the US. Of course, there is a group of people that use fa**ot and other terms when shouting out abuse at someone. But the term 'gay' really is used a lot:
"That is just gay"
"I see gay people"
"That is a gay skill"
etc. etc.
Even quite decent and friendly people in my guild use the word 'gay' like that often. And you see it often in this and other forums, including game guides and FAQs.

Is this a sign that the GW population really is homophobic, or does this term not really mean anything? Are people insulted by this and, if so, should players trying to be decent and pleasant people in the game stop using this word in this way? In short, is using the word gay so often something to be concerned about?

This is not a personal thing for me, btw. If some tries to insult me by telling me that that I am a f*****g fa**ot, he fails to get under my skin, not because I am, but because I am part of another minority in GW (which is not a minority in RL).

Goonter · Nov 22, 2005, 02:37 AM // 02:37

Well, if this is of concern and needs to be discussed then I hope this gets moved to the off topic forums instead of closed.

Saying gay doesnt mean your homophobic.
Saying it isnt PC either, but...thats life.
Overreacting towards homosexually is a sign.

Lasareth · Nov 22, 2005, 02:43 AM // 02:43

The other thread was closed because It involved politics and other issues which frankly don't mix well with GW.

Yes people call things "gay" frequently. Does it mean anything? To some, yes, to some, no. It is a sign of society? That's up to you.

Quote:

should players trying to be decent and pleasant people in the game stop using this word in this way?

Often, decent players won't bring that type of language to the game to begin with. It's a fact of dealing with immaturity and to an extent cultural slang.

I'll not close this, but at the first sign of flames, it's going to take the lock.

Be warned.

Sekkira · Nov 22, 2005, 02:44 AM // 02:44

'Gay' has be used to describe something that is crap, or sucks for years now.

chippxero · Nov 22, 2005, 02:47 AM // 02:47

Unless someone says it in a homophobic manner chances are they aren't trying to be insulting, in fact i'd say most people use it rather than swearing.

When getting bad drops:

I'd rather see: "That's gay"
Than: "F***ing game, all i get is S****y drops"

If someone is calling some a homophobic name thats very different from using it in this situation.

If you see people using it in the way you suggested with your 3 examples they arn't trying to upset or insult anyone.

And if people are taking offence to it when said in this way, then they are just being overly sensitive and dramic for attention. IMO

eom · Nov 22, 2005, 02:51 AM // 02:51

I think if people were shouting 'RED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GO' at each other instead of 'faggot' it would be addressed pretty quickly.
it's still pc to bash gays.

frankly, you're playing a game w/a bunch of 14 yr old kids --- why would you expect anything else?

Venus · Nov 22, 2005, 02:55 AM // 02:55

It really dosnt offend me in when people say "thats gay" or somthing in a derogatory manner. I have come to realize (and hopefully I am right) that they are not specifically being mean towords homosexual people, but using it as a derogotory word against whatever is bothering them (replacing somthing like "sucks")

However, when people spesificly tell me that I am a "gay fagggot" or somthing along those lines, it slightly angers me, but not that much. I really dont care about insults unless it comes from someone I really know and like.

SilenceWeaver · Nov 22, 2005, 02:56 AM // 02:56

i agree that the word gay as a derogatory slang word has become far too used in society. i imagine it would be quite annoying and even hurtful for someone who is gay to here people constantly saying things like that show is gay, etc. i am kind of a hypocrit in this matter however as i actually call things gay too much for my liking. as for homophobia in GW, i think that there are few who are actually homophobic, but that the large amount of americans playing has simply insinuated their slang innto the game.

chippxero · Nov 22, 2005, 02:57 AM // 02:57

if someone is repeatedly calling someone Faggot or being insulting players should report them, i'm sure Anet would take action as it's not good for the community.

It's down to players to make sure things get reported like this, as if there are no reports the gnomes at Anet can't do anything because they don't know.

glenn_rolfe · Nov 22, 2005, 03:01 AM // 03:01

Ah come on, the term "gay" in that sense is very soft, and a little bit jokey.

I don't know too many people offended by it to pull it out of people's diction for describing something that sucks (no pun intended)

Sekkira · Nov 22, 2005, 03:03 AM // 03:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilenceWeaver

i agree that the word gay as a derogatory slang word has become far too used in society. i imagine it would be quite annoying and even hurtful for someone who is gay to here people constantly saying things like that show is gay, etc. i am kind of a hypocrit in this matter however as i actually call things gay too much for my liking. as for homophobia in GW, i think that there are few who are actually homophobic, but that the large amount of americans playing has simply insinuated their slang innto the game.

Homosexuals worked a way around that though. Instead of saying something is gay, they'll say "Wow. That's so straight."

Venus · Nov 22, 2005, 03:06 AM // 03:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sekkira

Homosexuals worked a way around that though. Instead of saying something is gay, they'll say "Wow. That's so straight."

lol, i should start saying that.

M1h4iL · Nov 22, 2005, 03:10 AM // 03:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sekkira

'Gay' has be used to describe something that is crap, or sucks for years now.

It sure has, rarely do people say "gay" in its original meaning, the word has been manipulated ALOT. Take a look at this site: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=gay

Slade xTekno · Nov 22, 2005, 03:14 AM // 03:14

As much as I am for gay rights, what exactly does a universal improper use of slang have anything to do with Guild Wars?

lg5000 · Nov 22, 2005, 03:19 AM // 03:19

Didn't the Gay community adopt the word and it's now used like the word 'geek'?

What I meant is.. if someone who is homosexual is called gay, is it not the same as someone who is a nerd being called a geek?

Sol_Vie · Nov 22, 2005, 03:27 AM // 03:27

I think it's naive to think that just because someone uses the term "gay" that means they're a homophobe. I can see how it can be offensive, but it's hardly something that can be contained. And referring back to the poster who suggested the gay community has adopted it, well he's right. If you can't beat em, join em.

Additionally, I hardly think that arguing that its presence in GW or GWG is the issue. People bring it in game along with swear words from their normal lives. It's hard to censor something like that... when you do all hell breaks loose. I came from a text game not long ago when the mods all of a sudden started really cracking down on players. Now, don't get me wrong it was necessary and good. It was supposedly a family game so it was called for, but nonetheless it really caused a lot of chaos. Now multiply that by 1000. You have Guild Wars (and Guild Wars Guru) with a booming population... it just wouldn't work.

Slade xTekno · Nov 22, 2005, 03:29 AM // 03:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by lg5000

Didn't the Gay community adopt the word and it's now used like the word 'geek'?

What I meant is.. if someone who is homosexual is called gay, is it not the same as someone who is a nerd being called a geek?

Your analogy is flawed. Calling someone who is not a geek a geek will have much a different effect than calling someone who not homosexual gay.

sybban · Nov 22, 2005, 03:32 AM // 03:32

Why does anyone care? People use words out of their context all the time. If homosexuals are that offended then whatever. I don't even see how they can be pissed considering they call themselves queer and gay openly. Which both infact don't mean homosexual. I could understand if people are going around saying "Homo's are to blame for aids" or "Homosexuals are going straight to hell". But if someone is acting like a fruit (yes for the most part homosexuals act fruity, pick a more politically correct word if it makes you feel better) then ya, I'll say dude quit being a fag or you're so gay.

It's just our generation's lingo. Back in the 90s people were say radical (which usually refered to innovative or crazed politicians), cool (the absence of heat), tubular (which isn't even a word), totally (well that was more late 80s but it stuck around for the 90s, and it was the modern day version of "RED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GO" meaning you could use it in any context).

I act gay, I don't care. It's funny. There could be silence and all of a sudden I'll turn to a guy and say "Hey dude, wanna roll around on the floor and make out?" and he'd say "Heck yes I do". Because it's funny. If someone takes offense to that....well they are gay, how about that?

Sekkira · Nov 22, 2005, 03:41 AM // 03:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by sybban

Why does anyone care? People use words out of their context all the time. If homosexuals are that offended then whatever. I don't even see how they can be pissed considering they call themselves queer and gay openly. Which both infact don't mean homosexual. I could understand if people are going around saying "Homo's are to blame for aids" or "Homosexuals are going straight to hell". But if someone is acting like a fruit (yes for the most part homosexuals act fruity, pick a more politically correct word if it makes you feel better) then ya, I'll say dude quit being a fag or you're so gay.

It's just our generation's lingo. Back in the 90s people were say radical (which usually refered to innovative or crazed politicians), cool (the absence of heat), tubular (which isn't even a word), totally (well that was more late 80s but it stuck around for the 90s, and it was the modern day version of "RED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GO" meaning you could use it in any context).

I act gay, I don't care. It's funny. There could be silence and all of a sudden I'll turn to a guy and say "Hey dude, wanna roll around on the floor and make out?" and he'd say "Heck yes I do". Because it's funny. If someone takes offense to that....well they are gay, how about that?

Shut the hell up you fag.

chris_nin00 · Nov 22, 2005, 03:43 AM // 03:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sekkira

Shut the hell up you fag.

that was really uncalled for